Chapter 61 ☆ Photo (Part 1)

The Dongfeng brand tractor was bought by the brigade from another production team. It was 60% new but cleaned up to look 70% to 80% new. Xie Zhao was careful with his work and maintained the tractor well after each use, earning the brigade’s trust.

Villagers used to rely on ox carts or walk to the city, and if lucky, they could hitch a ride on a tractor from another team. Now that their village had its own tractor, the villagers were very happy.

Before daybreak, villagers waiting to go to the city gathered at the village entrance. When Xie Zhao drove the tractor over, they all climbed aboard. Xie Zhao, unlike the other drivers, was quiet and kind. He helped people with children or heavy loads onto the tractor.

Villagers had always kept their distance from this son of a landlord and looked down on him. Now, as the only driver in the village, they felt a bit awkward when asking for his help.

Xie Zhao drove silently, and gradually, the women in the back of the car started talking about him.

“This Xie Zhao is twenty years old this year, right? Has his family arranged a marriage for him?”

“With his status, which girl would dare approach him?”

“What a pity, such a good Yue Yun.”

“Hey, I have a cousin from my mother’s side. She has eight children and is very poor. If the Xie family is willing, I can help them get together!”

“…”

Cheng Yaoyao sat in the best seat with her small bag in her arms, listening to the women’s chatter. Her heart burned with anger. When the woman tried to talk to her, she closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep. The women curled their lips and winked at each other, thinking Cheng Yaoyao, being from the city, looked down on them.

However, they knew Cheng Yaoyao was sharp-tongued, so they didn’t bother her and continued gossiping about the village.

The car finally arrived in the county town. The women got out with their vegetables, chickens, and ducks, and Cheng Yaoyao finally had some peace. Xie Zhao walked around to the back of the car and offered his hand to help Cheng Yaoyao out, but she slapped his hand away and jumped out holding the handle.

Cheng Yaoyao’s face was always uncertain, and Xie Zhao was used to it. He said, “The car has to stay at the fertilizer factory to load the goods. I’ll take you to the cultural center first.”

Cheng Yaoyao said she could go alone. Xie Zhao stared at her with his narrow eyes without saying anything. Cheng Yaoyao pouted and walked ahead. Xie Zhao followed her with a big basket. They walked one in front and one behind, as if they didn’t know each other.

Cheng Yaoyao entered the county cultural center with ease, and Xie Zhao waited at the gate. The gate was particularly lively today, with many beautiful girls talking and laughing. When they saw Xie Zhao, they couldn’t help but look at him. The bolder ones even whispered and laughed among themselves.

Xie Zhao looked away expressionlessly, leaning against the wall in the shade, waiting for Cheng Yaoyao. The environment was pleasant, and the girls were dressed neatly and beautifully. This kind of day suited Cheng Yaoyao. If not for him…

The cultural center was buzzing with activity. The art troupe girls were dressed beautifully and crowded together to take pictures. Cheng Yaoyao spotted Wu Man immediately. She was wearing a red blouse and bright red lipstick, standing proudly in the middle of the group. When she saw Cheng Yaoyao, she gave her an extremely proud smile.

Cheng Yaoyao ignored her and went straight to Chen Yong’s office. Liu Xiaoli was there too. Her belly was bigger than before, looking like a balloon, but her face didn’t look very good.

As soon as Chen Yong saw Cheng Yaoyao, he said, “Why didn’t you come to sign up last time? What a pity!”

“I went back and thought about it. I’m not suitable for working in the art troupe. Thank you for your kindness.” Cheng Yaoyao smiled.

Chen Yong’s face showed regret and he was about to say more.

“That’s enough. They have their own plans.” Liu Xiaoli pushed Chen Yong and said to Cheng Yaoyao warmly, “You’re finally here. Do you still have the fried chicken mushrooms from last time? They tasted so good!”

Chen Yong immediately looked at Cheng Yaoyao’s bag eagerly. Last time, he thought Cheng Yaoyao’s oily chicken mushrooms looked mediocre and expensive, so he only bought one bottle. He didn’t expect them to taste so good! Liu Xiaoli, who usually has no appetite, ate more with the chicken mushrooms at every meal!

“Yes.” Cheng Yaoyao took out a few jars from her bag and placed them on the table one by one. “This is fried chicken mushroom, and this is mushroom sauce. The price is the same as before.”

Chen Yong quickly counted the money and handed it to Cheng Yaoyao. Liu Xiaoli smiled and said, “Thanks to your dried bayberries and fried chicken mushrooms, I can eat a bit these days. I really don’t know how to thank you enough.”

Cheng Yaoyao put the money into her purse, thought for a moment, and said, “I have a younger sister who is fifteen this year. If you hear of any job openings, please let me know.”

Chen Yong immediately asked, “No problem. What’s your sister’s family background?”

“…” The issue was her family background. Cheng Yaoyao bit her lip in embarrassment: “She is… a landlord, but she has never oppressed the common people!”

Chen Yong and Liu Xiaoli looked at each other but were not as shocked as others might be. They murmured, “With that background, it’s definitely not possible to join the art troupe. It’s also difficult to get a regular job in other factories. Social activities are tough too…”

Chen Yong rubbed his fingers together, and Cheng Yaoyao said, “That’s fine. She doesn’t need to work in a top place, just a textile factory or a garment factory where there are many women and less work.”

Xie Fei has a weak personality, and working in a top place like the art troupe might not be suitable. It would be better for her to work in an ordinary factory where most workers are women and live a safe life.

Chen Yong agreed and promised to keep an eye out for Cheng Yaoyao: “Your sister is still young. I’ll keep an eye out for her and let you know as soon as any good companies are hiring.”

Cheng Yaoyao thanked him and was about to leave. Liu Xiaoli supported her waist and stood up to see her off but suddenly cried out “ouch” and turned pale.

Chen Yong hurriedly supported his wife: “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell again?”

“No… I’ll be fine after a while.” Liu Xiaoli sat down slowly, frowning, and it took her a while to calm down.

Cheng Yaoyao asked with concern: “You look so unwell. Have you had a check-up?”

Liu Xiaoli smiled at Cheng Yaoyao and said, “The doctor said I’m weak and might face dangers during childbirth.”

Chen Yong supported his wife with a worried expression. Cheng Yaoyao thought for a moment and took out a small paper bag: “You can drink this with water every day. If you’re weak on the day of childbirth, just put a little in your mouth.”

Chen Yong opened the paper package and saw it contained ginseng roots. His family was well-off and used ginseng slices, so he didn’t think much of these roots. But since Cheng Yaoyao was kind-hearted, he accepted them and thanked her again.

Cheng Yaoyao waved her hand, her heart aching. The ginseng root was soaked in spiritual spring water and was originally meant for the original owner’s father.

Cheng Yaoyao asked Chen Yong to take care of Liu Xiaoli and walked out of the office. As she passed the stage, she encountered Wu Man and several girls from the art troupe.

Wu Man spoke first: “What a coincidence, we meet again.”

Cheng Yaoyao rolled her eyes. It was clear Wu Man was waiting for her: “What’s the matter?”

Wu Man walked around Cheng Yaoyao slowly and said with a smile: “I’m just curious. Why weren’t you selected by the art troupe? I didn’t know until I met Yang Yu and Ji Youyou that you weren’t chosen.”

Cheng Yaoyao remained expressionless. The other girls from the art troupe looked at Cheng Yaoyao with envy, jealousy, and relief. They were glad Cheng Yaoyao wasn’t chosen; otherwise, there might not have been room for them.

Wu Man, the most qualified among the girls and clearly the leader, grew more proud: “Why? Did you fail the political review, or is there some other issue? Did Brother Lin and the others know you weren’t selected?”

Cheng Yaoyao said impatiently: “Are you done? A good dog doesn’t block the road. I’m leaving!”

“You… who are you calling a dog?!” Wu Man’s face changed drastically.

“Whoever agrees will be the one.” Cheng Yaoyao raised her chin arrogantly, her lips curled into a half-smile, looking cold and charming.

A camera flash went off with a “click,” making Cheng Yaoyao and Wu Man close their eyes. Cheng Yaoyao covered her eyes and glared at the photographer.